Like many creative people, I enjoy taking something average and making it pretty and unique. Thanks to Pinterest, my dreams are often filled with Lego-shaped jello, melted crayon art and the world’s most delicious cookie recipes (no joke, look up the “iced pumpkin cookies”!). One of the newest crazes to hit the boards of Pinterest and your craft store shelves is washi tape. Washi tape is a thin, adhesive tape made of paper. Really pretty paper. In all sorts of designs that will have you collecting and wanting for more. Constantly. And it’s not just for taping things together. In fact, I’ve actually seen more uses for washi tape that have nothing to do with adhering something than those that do! While there are literally HUNDREDS of ways you can use washi tape, I’ve found some awesome, everyday uses that will make the world around you just a little more beautiful.
Source: Blog.TheLoveNerds.com
1. Organize & Coordinate Your Planner
This is probably the most common use of washi tape for us mamas, because any help we can get in the scheduling department is huge. All you need is whatever paper planner you already use at home, or even your wall calendar if you use that to schedule practices, games and meetings. Identify how many “categories” your family needs and choose 1 color tape for each category. Then just add your washi tape to the calendar day that corresponds to your event!
Head over to Blog.TheLoveNerds.com to get more tips on organizing your life, and tips on marriage, budget, traveling and cooking.
Source: DesignLoveFest.com
2. Wrap Cords
Whether you want to beatify a boring cord or just hate how you have to constantly search for the cord you need amongst a pile of them, using washi tape is going to be a solution to your problem. Simply wrap your washi tape around your cord to create a unique look that will help you find it in a pinch and bring some pizazz to this otherwise boring household item. You can just use 1 tape and wrap all the around, or create a design using multiple patterned tapes.
For more inspiration and a washi tape tutorial on wrapping your own cords, check out DesignLoveFest.com!
Source: SouthernGirlRamblings.com
3. Coasters
Have you ever noticed that whenever you need a coaster you can’t find one? Either your children have started using them as frisbees, you’ve broken one every so often to where you’re down to 1, or they have become forever lost in the crevices of your couch. Regardless, we can all use more coasters! Making your own has never been easier. All you need are some inexpensive tiles that can be found at any home improvement store, washi tape and a clear coat spray. Just wrap your coaster in whatever washi tape pattern you want, spray with a clear coat to give it more water resistance and you’re all set!
SouthernGirlRamblings.com has a great tutorial on making your own coasters as well as great advice on parenting, travel and food.
Source: LaurasCraftyLife.com
4. Mini Bunting
Bunting is very popular right now, and you see it everywhere from nursery decoration, to cake toppers to your regular old birthday banner. Rather than pay someone else from Etsy to create a personalized piece of bunting, you can create your own miniature version using washi tape! Small bunting adds some characterization to your windows, can be used on invitations, or on a table at a party. Pick up some thread and how ever many rolls of washi tape you want and you are ready!
Visit LaurasCraftyLife.com for a full tutorial on making your own bunting, as well as other tutorials on crafts and DIY projects.
Source: Hometalk.com
5. Decorate Vases
Somehow nearly every single one of my flower vases are plain, clear glass. While it’s definitely timeless, can we just say it’s also a little boring? Rather than spend the money to purchase all new vases, you can dress up your existing ones with some washi tape! The design options are endless and washi tape removes easily so you can redesign as often as you wish!
Check out Hometalk.com for more info on this craft, along with tons of other collaborated posts on kitchen, gardening and cleaning!
Source: LiaGriffith.com
6. Notebooks
Have you ever noticed that you tend to use items around you that are more beautiful? Whether it’s a beautiful day planner (we’re talking about you Erin Condren!) or a gorgeous shirt that you can wear 7 days a week, we are drawn to items that are pleasing to the eye. Maybe you’ve had a goal to journal more often, or be better about writing down your shopping list so you stick to your budget better. To encourage you, why not spruce up your boring notebook with some washi tape? You can create a one of a kind notebook that will hopefully invoke a passion for writing.
Check out LiaGriffith.com for a SUPER detailed tutorial on creating your own beautiful washi covered notebooks.
Source: IHeartOrganizing.blogspot.com
7. Labels
You don’t need to go spend money on a huge box of Staples file labels, just use your washi tape! Besides, washi tape is much cuter. Use it for your file folders, items in your fridge, reminder notes and homemade cleaning products. The options are as endless as there are colors and patterns of washi tape (which I’m assuming, is a lot).
IHeartOrganizing.blogspot.com has a great list of 14 other ideas on how you can use washi tape, so head over to check it out!
Source: TwoTwentyOne.net
8. Old Medication Bottles
Instead of tossing your old prescription medication bottles, you can repurpose them by spicing them up with some washi tape. They are great for your gym bags for storing bobby pins, hold pills in your purse and pretty much anything else that will fit. It will help you keep everything in one place, and hopefully make it easier to dig to the bottom of your bag in a hurry!
TwoTwentyOne.net is full of other organizing, parenting and craft DIY’s!
Source: WashitaPECrafts.com
9. Light Switch Cover
Since we’ve moved into our house (a year ago!) I’ve been meaning to replace a handful of light switch covers that are gross and/or broken. And let’s be honest, they are pretty run of the mill in their standard white. While I don’t think my husband would appreciate me redoing ALL of our light switches, I sure think my daughter’s room would look great with a more girly cover. This is a simple craft using just your light switch cover, washi tape and some Modge Podge or clear coat. Instant update!
Visit WashitaPECrafts.com for a great tutorial on this personalized light switch cover!
Source: IHeartNaptime.net
10. Dry Erase Frame
As a mom, you are constantly needing to write notes. Whether it’s to remember to get milk at the store or tell your kids you love them, a dry erase board can always come in handy. By disassembling a frame, covering one side of the glass with washi tape, and then putting it back together, you’ve created a one of a kind “dry erase” board that is cute and functional. Just remember to use a dry erase marker!
IHeartNaptime.net has this tutorial and a bunch of other tape craft ideas!
Source: OurFifthHouse.com
11. Custom Makeup Brushes
Most of us women have quite the assortment of makeup brushes that we’ve kept over the years, gotten on sale or inherited. Most of them probably aren’t the same brand and thus, don’t match. If you’re feeling crafty and want to use something pretty (remember, we all like things that are pleasing to the eye!), then why not wrap your mismatched makeup brushes in some washi tape? You can even add a little craft paint to the ends to bring it all together.
Check out OurFifthHouse.com for her how-to, in addition to great tips on organization, home decor and more!
Source: LittleRedMoose.blogspot.co.uk
12. Magnets
I love magnets but don’t want to be caught dead with the boring ones (are we seeing a pattern here?). Washi tape to the rescue! Just take a simple magnet sheet (or individual plain ones if you already have them), affix the tape and cut into your desired shapes! Your fridge will now thank you.
Visit LittleRedMoose.blogspot.co.uk for a tutorial and other great organizational tips!